By Greg Stobart at the Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Jun 16, 2013 7:13:00 PM

A late goal from Mario Balotelli consigned the 1999 winner to
defeat and 'Chepo' was keen to pay his compliments to the Euro 2012
runner-up.

"We faced a great team with very good players. We knew we had to
contain them and play directly through the midfield," he told
reporters. "We had a lot of moves when we were in good positions. I
believe we could have had better luck. Of course nobody likes to
lose.

"We hated losing the game like this, so near the end and after we
controlled the game."

The former Guadalajara coach has come under intense pressure in
recent weeks due to El Tri's poor form in World Cup qualifying, but
he was quick to defend his tactics.

"If we hadn't been defensive, we would never have made it to the
other box," he said.

Finally, De la Torre voiced his delight at having coached at the
Maracana stadium.

"It’s a mythical stadium with a lot of background a lot of history.
Everyone who has played football would want to play here so it’s
been extraordinary to play against Italy here."